Inspired by writer Marta Yamamoto’s article about Operation Rainbow that appeared in the San Jose Mercury News last summer (2012), I contacted Michelle Duncan and went to Loja, Ecuador, in June, with the nonprofit organization.

It was an incredible experience! As a teacher who lives in the world of education 10 months out of the year, I was fascinated by the completely different world of orthopedic medicine that I was privileged to live in for one week.

The work was hard and the days were long, but the surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgery technicians and nurses were wonderful.

The patients, from babies to children and adults, were lovely, gracious people.

Thank you (albeit belatedly) for your article. It was an inspiration to me and led me to the experience of a lifetime, one which I hope to repeat again next year.

Ruth Kitayama Terao

Teacher, San Jose Unified School District

Can’t wait to visit Machu Picchu ‘twin’

I would 100 percent travel to Choquequirao. Of course, I have a minor in Mesoamerican archaeology and anthropology. I did go to Machu Picchu and loved it. I purchased this trip through the San Jose State Alumni Association auction, and it was fantastic. It was organized by the famed Orient Express, and not only did we stay at fabulous hotels (Miraflores Park in Lima, Il Monasterio in Cuzco and the Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu itself), but we had private guides and drivers both in Lima and at all the sites.

These people so loved their country and their culture and so wanted us to love it also. One of our guides took us to a vista above the city of Cuzco, and with a sweep of his hand, said, “These are my people!”

For a person like me, who loves the ancient cultures of Mesoamerica, it was magical. I can only hope a trip to Choquequirao would be so special. I have written about the opening of this site in my datebook, and will check and see when guests will be allowed to visit.

More in Travel & Play

Several popular campsites and trails in Los Padres National Forest that burned during the Soberanes Fire will remain closed likely for a year, although the areas that did not burn have been reopened effective immediately, officials announced Thursday.